How to get a visa for India from the United States?

The information provided on the India eVisa, including how to obtain it, the processing time and the documents required will be invaluable to these travellers. Topics such as safety in India, length of stay and other requirements are also covered.

Do US citizens need an India visa?

It is crucial to note that the need for a visa for US citizens wishing to travel to India is undeniable. To streamline the visa process, India has developed an electronic visa programme, or e-Visa.

• Valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in the country, the Indian e-Visa for Americans offers great flexibility.
• Two entries are permitted with the e-Tourist and e-Business Visa, while three entries are allowed with the e-Medical Visa.
• This e-Visa can only be used at specific points of entry: 28 international airports and 5 seaports.
• To be eligible, applicants must hold a passport with at least six months' validity remaining from the date of intended arrival in India.

Any US national planning a trip to this dynamic Asian country should therefore make a point of obtaining their e-visa well in advance of their departure. This not only avoids unnecessary stress at the last minute, but also ensures a smooth experience at border controls. Strict adherence to the above conditions will ensure that the precious document is obtained quickly and easily.

How do I apply for an India eVisa from the USA?

Completing and submitting the form for US citizens

To obtain an India eVisa from the USA, US citizens must first complete an online form. This process begins by accessing the official Indian Immigration website or through a private service provider. The information to be entered includes personal details such as name, residential address, date of birth and nationality. It is crucial that all this information is accurate to avoid any complications or refusal of the application.

They are required to provide details of their stay in India, such as the planned dates, place of accommodation and reason for travel. Once the details have been checked, the form must be submitted.

Paying for your India evisa from the USA

Once the form has been correctly completed and submitted, the next step is to pay the fees for the India eVisa. This can be done easily online via various secure methods offered on the official Indian Immigration website or the service provider's website.

US citizens have a range of options, such as PayPal or international credit cards. Once this has been successfully completed, they will receive an email confirmation which will be required when they arrive in India to authenticate their eVisa.

eVisa processing times for US citizens

What could be more frustrating than planning a trip to India and being held up by the e-visa processing time? For US citizens applying for an e-visa to India from the US, an accurate estimate of how long the process will take is crucial.

The length of time generally fluctuates depending on the nature and type of visa requested. As a general rule, between 3 and 5 working days are needed to obtain a tourist or business eVisa, while a medical visa may require up to 7 working days. This period includes submission of the completed form online, its examination by the relevant Indian authorities and their approval.

It is crucial to stress that these times are estimates based on normal conditions; various factors can potentially extend this period. For example, if the application requires additional checks or if it has been submitted during a busy period such as an Indian national holiday.

Careful planning in advance can help to avoid any unnecessary stress associated with this process. It would be best to start the application process well in advance of the planned date of travel to avoid any unforeseen complications that could delay departure to the incredible India!

Documents required by Americans to apply for an India tourist visa

American passport requirements

To apply for an India eVisa from the United States, the American passport must meet specific criteria. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival in India. It is also advisable to have at least two unused pages for official stamps. The eVisa will be linked to the passport used at the time of application. If a new document is obtained after the eVisa has been approved, it will lose its validity.

The digital photograph

Another essential element for obtaining an Indian eVisa is a recent digital photograph of the applicant. This image must be in colour with a uniform white background and free from shadows or reflections. The full face must be visible and centred in the frame with a neutral or natural expression, without glasses or headgear (except for religious reasons). The file size must not exceed 1MB and it must be in JPEG format. It should also be noted that this photo will be printed on your e-Visa, which must be presented to the Indian authorities on arrival in India.

Is India safe for US citizens?

Safety in India for US citizens is a legitimate concern that deserves to be addressed. Although the level of safety may vary from region to region, India is generally perceived as safe for foreign visitors, including those from the United States.

Nevertheless, it is important to be aware that in any place, certain measures are necessary to ensure the protection of travellers. The classic recommendations apply: avoid walking alone late at night, especially in isolated or poorly-lit areas, and remain vigilant about your personal belongings in public.

Despite these universal precautions, India offers a unique and rewarding experience for adventurous explorers. Its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural history and welcoming people have charmed countless visitors from all over the world.

The Indian government takes the protection of tourists very seriously and has introduced various measures to ensure their defence. The presence of special tourist police in several Indian states is testimony to this commitment to visitor safety.

If all appropriate precautions are taken and mutual respect is observed between host and tourist, a stay in India can be as safe as it is unforgettably rewarding.

Refusal of India visa for US citizens

When applying for an e-visa to India, US citizens can sometimes be refused. There are several reasons for this disappointment.

Firstly, failure to meet the eligibility criteria is a frequent cause of refusal. This mainly includes individuals with dual nationality or those who do not have permanent resident status in the United States.

Providing incorrect or incomplete information at the time of application can also lead to rejection. It is therefore essential to complete the form carefully and accurately to avoid any errors that could lead to a refusal.

• Failure to pay the required e-visa application fee
• Presentation of a passport that is not valid for at least six months after the intended date of travel to India
• Lack of sufficient evidence of funds available to cover the stay in India
• A lengthy criminal record or previous criminal convictions
• Having previously visited certain sensitive areas without proper authorisation.

Another determining factor is the current state of diplomatic relations between India and the United States. Political tensions could potentially influence the final decision on whether to grant a visa.

It is important to stress that even if your visa is refused, this does not necessarily mean that you will be permanently banned from visiting India. You can always submit a new application after rectifying any mistakes you may have made when you first applied.

Visa duration and validity for US citizens

Number of entries into India from the USA

The popularity of India among US citizens is considerable and continues to grow. Recent data indicates that every year, a large number of Americans discover this captivating country thanks to their e-visa. The period of validity of this electronic authorisation depends on the type - tourist, business or medical - but it generally offers several entries during its period of activity. A tourist e-visa, for example, allows two entries, while a business e-visa allows up to three entries into India.

Renewing your India visa

When it comes to renewing your visa for India, it is essential to stress that an e-visa is not renewable or extendable on the spot. Once its maximum duration has expired, which can be up to 1 year for certain types of visa such as professional or medical, US citizens wishing to extend their stay or return to India at a later date must make a new application from the United States. However, they must respect an interval between two successive applications, generally set at two months, in order to avoid abuse of the electronic system introduced by the Indian government.

Is there a visa on arrival in India from the USA?

With regard to the possibility of obtaining a visa on arrival in India for US citizens, it is essential to note that this alternative is not offered.

The Indian authorities have closed the ‘Visa On Arrival’ (VOA) programme for all foreign travellers, including those from the United States. This procedure had been introduced to simplify entry into India and has been replaced by the considerably more efficient e-Visa system.

The e-Visa system offers US residents the possibility of applying for and obtaining their visa prior to their arrival in India. This removes not only the uncertainty associated with hoping for a VOA, but also the need to wait in a queue after a long plane journey.

American tourists planning to visit India are therefore strongly advised to apply for an e-Visa well in advance of their departure. The process is simple and can be completed entirely online from the USA. This ensures a stress-free arrival and easy entry into the fascinating country of India.

Other documents required for travel to India for US citizens

In addition to the e-visa, US citizens planning a trip to India need other documents to ensure a smooth stay.

A valid passport is essential, with a minimum validity of six months upon arrival in India and at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.

It may be necessary to provide additional information during the online visa application process, such as details of the applicant's employment in the USA or information about parents born in India. Proof of address may also be required.

Generally, it is recommended that travellers have a printed copy of their e-visa and retain this document for the duration of their stay.

Although not compulsory for entry into India, certain vaccinations are recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These include vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and typhoid.

So if you plan your trip properly, you'll have a better chance of avoiding any complications in the fascinating country of India.

How long can US citizens stay in India?

For US citizens travelling to India, understanding how long you can stay with an e-visa is crucial.

An Indian tourist e-visa generally offers permission for 90 consecutive days from the date of arrival. This period cannot be extended or converted to another type of visa once you are in the country.

This document allows two visits to the country for a total maximum of 180 days per year. Assuming that an American has already used up his 90 days and wishes to return later in the year, he can use his second admission to stay for up to a further 90 days.

There are exceptions to these guidelines: some e-visas, for business or study purposes for example, offer extended stays and multiple admissions in the course of a year.

Before any intention to travel long or frequently to India, Americans are strongly advised to carefully examine the conditions specific to their e-visa and their individual plans to avoid any potential problems when clearing Indian immigration.

Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.